I was looking through the TL and TSX brochures last night and I noticed something interesting. The TL 6MT has a taller differential ratio and shorter gear ratios while the TSX 6MT has the reverse. I wanted to see what effect this would have on (theoretical) redline mph in the different gears, so I did some calculations comparing the TL (auto and manual) to the TSX 6MT.

Here are the results:

TL 6MT (Final Drive: 3.285)
Gear/ Gear Ratio/ Redline mph
1 ------ 3.933 -------- 39.7
2 ------ 2.478 -------- 62.9
3 ------ 1.700 -------- 91.7
4 ------ 1.250 -------- 124.8
5 ------ 0.975 -------- 160.0
6 ------ 0.770 -------- 202.6

TL Auto (Final Drive: 4.428)
Gear/ Gear Ratio/ Redline mph
1 ------ 2.563 -------- 45.1
2 ------ 1.552 -------- 74.6
3 ------ 1.021 -------- 113.3
4 ------ 0.666 -------- 173.7
5 ------ 0.480 -------- 241.1

TSX 6MT (Final Drive: 4.760)
Gear/ Gear Ratio/ Redline mph
1 ------ 3.267 -------- 34.6
2 ------ 1.880 -------- 60.1
3 ------ 1.355 -------- 83.4
4 ------ 1.028 -------- 109.9
5 ------ 0.825 -------- 137.0
6 ------ 0.659 -------- 171.5

The TL auto numbers probably explain why some people aren’t experiencing very exciting acceleration from the TL-auto, but I was curious to see the differences between the TSX and TL 6MTs. I think Acura would have been better off to space the first four gears of the TL in such a way that the redline mph was more like the TSX. The closer spacing would have aided acceleration and 5th and 6th could have been made a little taller to calm any concerns about fuel economy. What do you guys think?

It looks as though the 6MT should feel quicker than the auto, though. I wonder if my dealership will allow me to test drive both back to back when the manual arrives…

 

yeah, you wish to test drive the TL 6 speed maunal. The reasons are....
1. The are not out yet. noone has any absolute answer of it.
2. I believe the 6MT cars can't be test drive unless there is no deposit on it. Base on my understanding, you won't be able to test drive until next year.



At least, I won't allow my dealer to let my car become DEMO nor TEST DRIVE before I get the car. cauz' I have the legal rights to test drive it first besides dealers...

 

Interestinly, on page 185 of the owners manual, it says that the auto SS can be down shifted from 5th to 4th under 149MPH, OK so what is the top speed of this sled?

 

Looks like the TL 6MT has a little "taller" gearing than the TSX 6MT. Likely, because it has more torgue. Might be a nice compromise.
Was at my dealer today and he says the 6MT will not likely be here before December, and maybe not til January. My order is in, but it will be a while. Any others hear something?

 

I also wish 6th would be taller. I'd love to have the great acceleration in 1-4, moderate 5th and sleep in 6th.

Oh well.